Despite the importance of microorganisms as geochemical agents over geological times, their extended metabolic diversity and their essential role in element cycles (i.e. mineral dissolution, precipitation ... [more ▼]

Despite the importance of microorganisms as geochemical agents over geological times, their extended metabolic diversity and their essential role in element cycles (i.e. mineral dissolution, precipitation, oxido-reduction processes), microbial community composition and processes as well as their ecological role in karst environments are poorly known. While little was published on cave-dwelling microorganisms until the early 1990s, it is now recognized that microorganisms may mediate many important mineral transformations, originally considered to be inorganic in nature. Indeed, recent evidence (Northup & Lavoie, 2001) proved the implication of microorganisms in karstification through precipitation and dissolution processes, resulting in the deposition of carbonate speleothems, silicates, iron or manganese oxides, sulphur compounds and nitrates and in the breakdown of limestone walls. In this poster, we review some potential processes and signs of microbial activity in caves. We present results of a study on the microbial diversity in the ‘St Anne’ cave, Belgium. We focused on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), which are responsible for the first, acidifying step of the nitrification process. Chemical composition of the water, numbers of cultivable bacteria (free and particle-associated bacteria) and the diversity of AOB were studied in waters and sediments of the ‘Chawresse’ (underground river in St Anne), on the cave wall and in the soil aboveground. The use of molecular techniques, based on direct ADN extractions, provide more detailed information on the microbial diversity of an environment, as culture-based techniques retrieve only about 1% of bacterial species present in the environment. Bacterial counts showed that most cultivable bacteria were associated with suspended particles and that their numbers decreased underground. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of AOB in the karst system. Comparison of aboveground and belowground diversity also indicated the possibility of a specific endokarst AOB community. Further research perspectives will be discussed. <br /> <br /> <br />Northup, D.E. and Lavoie, K.H. 2001. Geomicrobiology of caves: A review. Geomicrobiology Journal, 18(3):199-220. [less ▲]

In Belgium, most drinking water is provided by calcareous karst aquifers. Chemical and microbiological characterisation of these systems focalises mainly on the transfer of pollutants and microbial ... [more ▼]

In Belgium, most drinking water is provided by calcareous karst aquifers. Chemical and microbiological characterisation of these systems focalises mainly on the transfer of pollutants and microbial contaminants, major sources of sanitary risks. These studies are generally based on bacterial cultures, representing however only 1% of bacterial species present in the environment. Molecular techniques allow the study of the global microbial diversity of an environment, as they are based on direct ADN extractions, without previous culturing steps. The objective of this research was the study of the microbial diversity in the ‘St Anne’ cave, Belgium. Chemical composition of the water, cultivable bacteria and the diversity of ammonia-oxydizing bacteria (AOB) were studied in waters and sediments of the ‘Chawresse’ (underground river in St Anne), on the cave’s wall and in soils aboveground. Bacterial counts revealed that most cultivable bacteria were associated with suspended particles and that their numbers decreased underground. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of AOB in the karst system. AOB are responsible for the first, acidifying step of the nitrification process. Further studies will specify and quantify their activity in this karst system. [less ▲]

Soil heterotrophic respiration (SHR) is the process by which CO2 is released during organic matter decomposition. It is generally expected that SHR can act as a positive feedback to global warming ... [more ▼]

Soil heterotrophic respiration (SHR) is the process by which CO2 is released during organic matter decomposition. It is generally expected that SHR can act as a positive feedback to global warming, therefore leading to more CO2 release into the atmosphere. It is thus important to better understand this process. Particularly, agricultural soils may behave as important CO2 sources that are strongly influenced by soil and crop management (e.g. organic matter restitution modes, hereafter “OM-RM”). The present study aimed at determining if, after more than 50 years of application of different OM-RM, (1) significant differences of SHR fluxes can be observed between treatments, (2) SHR responses to temperature and soil moisture content can be affected by the OM-RM and (3) the experimental design is suitable to assess potential differences between treatments. The experimental field is situated in Liroux, near Gembloux in Belgium. At that site, a long term experiment with different OM-RM runs from 1959 onwards. For the present study, three contrasted treatments were considered: (1) exportation of all residues after harvest, (2) addition of manure once every three to four years and (3) restitution of residues after harvest. SHR flux measurements were carried out manually on fourteen occasions from 2 April to 30 July 2010, using a dynamic closed chamber system. Temperature and soil moisture content at 5 cm depth were also measured manually. Results showed that after more than 50 years of OM-RM application, no significant differences could be observed between the three treatments in terms of SHR fluxes and SHR responses to temperature or soil moisture, while the soil organic carbon content did vary significantly between them. The sensitivity to temperature was quite low in all treatments, with a mean Q10 value of 1,36. Besides, SHR fluxes were seen to be more responsive to increases in soil water content than to absolute soil moisture content values. Indeed, when soil moisture content increased between two consecutive measurement dates, the ratio of the corresponding SHR fluxes was larger than 1. Particularly dry conditions in 2010 may actually have caused the fluxes to be very low, making the assessment of differences between treatments more difficult. Moreover, soil dryness is likely to be responsible for the SHR flux increases after rain events, as caused by re-solubilization of organic compounds. Also, an important spatial variability was observed, which may have obscured the assessment of potential differences between treatments. Further investigations will consist in performing a new flux measurement campaign in 2011 that will take the spatial variability issue into account, and in monitoring microbial and soil properties in the different treatments, such as microbial biomass, metabolic activity and labile carbon. [less ▲]

Microorganisms are essential regulators of soil functioning, as they are involved in many crucial processes such as organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil structure and fertility. Currently ... [more ▼]

Microorganisms are essential regulators of soil functioning, as they are involved in many crucial processes such as organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil structure and fertility. Currently, there is a growing interest in functional diversity, such as the number and type of substrates used for energy metabolism (CLPP-community level physiological profiling). Such metabolic diversity of heterotroph soil bacteria is frequently investigated through Biolog Ecoplates, containing 31 of the most useful carbon sources for the soil community. The metabolic diversity of soil bacteria might be an interesting biological indicator of soil quality, and also a useful tool for investigating the link between land use change, climate warming, soil carbon, microbial diversity and activity. Methods related to Biolog-CLPP reported in the literature differ in the suspension medium and extraction method, the type and density of inoculums, the inoculation procedures and conditions of incubations. For example, various combinations of extraction methods and suspension media are being used for the first bacterial extraction step. Despite such methodological differences, Biolog-CLPP data are often compared across studies. The development of a standardised method for Biolog-CLPP is however essential improving the relevance and significance of results across studies. In this work, we investigated the influence of extraction procedures on microbial extraction efficiency for further use in CLPP. The microbial extraction efficiency was tested by plate counts for a total of twelve combinations of three suspension media and four extraction methods. The experiment was performed on four soils differing in organic matter content. The aims of this study were to: • Synthesize extraction procedures used for Biolog-CLPP • Measure the effect of extraction procedures on microbial extraction efficiency (plate counts) in four soil types • Investigate a possible interaction between the suspension media and the extraction method used • Evaluate whether a standardized extraction procedure can be recommended across soil types [less ▲]

How do climate warming, plant species richness and plant functional group affect ammonia oxidizing bacteria diversity and function in experimental grasslands? Malchair S. and Carnol M. Laboratory of Plant and Microbial Ecology Department of Sciences and Environmental Management University of Liege, Belgium Background: There is increasing evidence of diversity-function relationship and impact of warming for aboveground vegetation. Belowground effects of warming and plant species richness remain however largely unknown, although bacteria regulate many soil processes and some groups, like ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were, have been suggested highly sensitive to environmental stress. Objectives: 1. Investigation of the response of AOB richness, community composition and function to warming, plant species richness and functional group 2. Exploration of the AOB richness-function link Methods: Soil samples were taken at 2 depths from grassland model ecosystems with different species richness levels (1, 3, 9) and temperature treatments (ambient, ambient+3°C). Selected species belonged to 3 plant functional groups: forbs, legumes and grasses. AOB function: potential nitrification assay (shaken soil slurry method) AOB diversity: polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) Results: 1. All retrieved AOB sequences were Nitrosospira-like ones 2. Warming had no effect on AOB richness and function 3. Higher plant species richness leads to increased AOB richness and modified community structure. AOB function was increased only at lower depth under warming 4. No difference in AOB richness between the plant functional groups 5. AOB community structure was different and AOB function higher under legumes. 6. The AOB richness-function link was negative under legumes. Conclusions: 1. Plant species influenced AOB richness and community composition. Plant functional group seems to be more important that species richness. 2. Legumes may impact AOB diversity and function through ammonia availability. [less ▲]

For more than 50 years, an agricultural site divided in several plots is submitted to different organic matter restitution mode to the soil (crop residues, manure,...). The objectives of this study were ... [more ▼]

For more than 50 years, an agricultural site divided in several plots is submitted to different organic matter restitution mode to the soil (crop residues, manure,...). The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether these different treatments may cause differences between treatments in terms of soil heterotrophic respiration, that would be of the same order of magnitude than differences in total soil organic carbon, (2) how temperature and soil moisture content affect soil heterotrophic respiration in the different treatments, and (3) how different soil biological properties (microbial biomass, metabolic diversity, labile carbon content) are affected in the different treatments. The results from a first measurement campaign carried out in 2010 are presented, together with the remaining questions at this stage of the study. [less ▲]

Forest management is currently confronted with major questions, such as how to adapt plantation forests to a changing world. This questioning is not only essential with regard to forest health and ... [more ▼]

Forest management is currently confronted with major questions, such as how to adapt plantation forests to a changing world. This questioning is not only essential with regard to forest health and productivity, but also within the frame of climate mitigation. As Norway spruce monocultures (Picea abies) have been planted in Europe beyond their assumed natural range, are subjected to forest decline and have negative impacts on ecological conditions, conversion into mixed stands has been suggested. Tree species can influence nutrient inputs, soil microbial activity, soil chemistry and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. These tree species effects on biogeochemical cycles may vary according to soil type, site characteristics and land use history. The objective of the present study was to quantify element fluxes in throughfall and seepage water, forest floor exchangeable element pools and nitrogen transformations, 12 years after conversion from Picea abies monocultures to a mixed forest stand. Measurements were performed under young and mature Picea abies, Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Quercus robur L. and Sorbus aucuparia L. Thus trees have grown on the same site, sharing identical initial soil conditions and site history, so that potential effects on microbial processes and soil properties can be imputed to tree species. Results showed that conversion had a short term impact on nutrient budgets and nutrient cycling in the upper soil layer; in particular on input fluxes of acidifying cations, soil base saturation, net N mineralization and nitrification. [less ▲]

Tree species effects on soil characteristics and biogeochemistry are mediated by several factors including microclimatic conditions, ground vegetation cover, quality and quantity of litter and roots ... [more ▼]

Tree species effects on soil characteristics and biogeochemistry are mediated by several factors including microclimatic conditions, ground vegetation cover, quality and quantity of litter and roots exudates, interception of atmospheric particules and aerosols, as well as secondary metabolites from litter. Moreover, the effects depend on the activities and characteristics of the microbial populations. Due to complex interactions, tree species effects on biogeochemical cycles may vary according to soil type, site characterisitcs and history, and climate. However, these questions about tree species effects on biogeochemical cycles are of central interest to forested ecosystems functions, such as soil quality (restoration) and soil water protection. This work is part of a long-term study on concentrations and fluxes in main compartments of 2 forested watersheds (Waroneu and Robinette, east Belgium) in relation with forest management. After 2 spruce generations, the Robinette catchment was partially clear-cut in 1996. Since 1998, this watershed is experiencing an ‘extensive’ afforestartion with a mixture of main and secondary tree species, adapted to specific site conditions. This site, provides the opportunity to study tree species effects on the same soil, with the same history. Morever, tree species have different ecological characteristics: N2 fixing species (Alnus glutinosa), secondary broadleaved species (Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia, Salix aurita), main broadleaved sepcies (Quercus robur and Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies). Here, we analysed the effects of tree species on soil pH and soil microbial activities in the organic layer in relation to carbon and nitrogen cycles: microbial biomass, basal respiration, labile carbon, nitrogen net mineralisation and potential nitrification. Twelve years after plantation, our results showed differences below the different tree species: (1) a higher microbial biomass and a higher substrate use efficiency and organic matter accessbility for microbial populations below spruce as compared with other tree species; (2) higher pH and microbial biomass below secondary than below main broadleaved species; (3) an enhanced nitrification below alder; (4) a higher leaching of nitrate below broadleaved species than below spruce. These results show a short term impact of forest tree species on microbial activities in upper soil layers. Results are discussed in relation to ecological characteristics of tree species. [less ▲]

This study examines the common ground between current scientific knowledge and stakeholders’ perception of ecosystem services in mixed forests versus monocultures. An enquiry was performed within the ... [more ▼]

This study examines the common ground between current scientific knowledge and stakeholders’ perception of ecosystem services in mixed forests versus monocultures. An enquiry was performed within the frame of the project FORBIO aiming at the ‘Assessment of the effects of tree species BIOdiversity on FORest ecosystem functioning’ (http://forbio.biodiversity.be). The objective of this enquiry was to confront the perception of the influence of mixed species stands on ecosystem services in Belgium with actual scientific knowledge. The target groups were forest managers, users and scientists. As a general frame for the questionnaire, the ‘Millenium Ecosystem Assessment’, assessing the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being, was selected. Respondents were asked to express their degree of agreement with statements related to the provisioning (production/quality, financial return), supporting (biodiversity, nutrient cycling, resistance), regulating (climate, air, soil, water) and cultural (aesthetics, recreation) ecosystem services, comparing mixed species to pure stands. Other questions addressed management objectives and the general profile of participants. The web-based questionnaires (SurveyMonkey) were established in Flemish and in French and invitations to respond were distributed by e-mail among key contact persons of forestry/nature associations, forest managers and scientists. After one month, a total of 142 and 228 responses were collected for the questionnaire in Flemish and in French, respectively. In this paper, we summarize main results by analyzing the profile of respondents and describing their perception of forest ecosystem services. Through the confrontation of this perception with the current scientific knowledge and through the identification of established scientific facts unknown to the general public, we identify gaps in scientific knowledge and ways of improving communication between scientists and managers. [less ▲]